The Dancing Cloud Horse Farm Rescue took in those horses, but their work was not done. "41 of the horses had been moved to Brooks County and were put on somebody's private property. The owner of that property wanted them gone and he called us and asked us to come get them," said Dancing Cloud President Anita Meisen.

Police say Bannister is currently charged with three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, but the investigation is ongoing.

"Everybody please do not give horses to someone who you don't go check out first or even be careful who you sell to. Cause these aren't the first horses I've sold that ended up in a bad situation I've bought back over the 30 years of having horses," said Horse Owner Sharon McNeil.

McNeil claimed two of her former horses from the Rescue. "I'm responsible. That's my way of thinking. I've always been that way. The dun mare, the light colored mare, this is her third trip back. She stays this time."

Rescue workers say Mcneil is not the only one to reclaim a horse. "Some of the original owners of these horses, the former owners, have proven that the owned them either through vet records or paperwork of some sort, photographs. And we're allowing them, they pay us a nominal fee, whatever we put towards the horse and than they can take their horses home," said Meisen.

The Rescue is in need of donations. "We need good quality hay. We need shavings for the stalls. White and red salt blocks. De-wormers, usually Safeguard and than Ivermectin."

Also seized at the Bannister property were two young calves, a miniature mule, and two donkeys.

Case Updates

A woman charged last week with animal cruelty in a horse neglect case is now charged with theft.

55-year old Rebecca Bannister and her husband 58-year old Richard Bannister are charged with felony theft by receiving in Thomas County and felony theft by taking in Grady County.

Investigators say the Bannisters stole items including cattle fencing, temporary fencing, and gates. "Right now the items, it was actually three dump trucks full of property, was taken to the Grady County Sheriff's Office and they will make arrangements over there for the owner to retrieve the property," said Lt. Tim Watkins.

The property was taken from Donna Floyd in Whigham. Rebecca Bannister was previously charged with three counts of animal cruelty.

78 of her animals were seized and taken to the Dancing Cloud Horse Farm Rescue.

The Bannisters posted bond in Thomas County Thursday and were transferred to the Grady County Jail.

References

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